One of Tibbetts' second cousins, Samantha Lucas, also told CNN she wants Tibbetts' death removed from political discussion.

Lucas said she didn't know her second cousin well, and isn't speaking for the whole family. But she says knows enough about Tibbetts to believe "she would not want this to be used as fuel against undocumented immigrants."

Few of Tibbetts' relatives have spoken publicly on the issue. In a statement released Wednesday, Tibbetts' family said it was grateful
for the outpouring of love and support it has received from people around the world.

The statement didn't mention immigration.

At a vigil for Tibbetts in Iowa City on Wednesday, a friend of the 20-year-old said she didn't want the tragedy to be politicized.

"I also know what Mollie stood for ... and she would not approve," the friend, Breck Goodman, said. "So I don't want her death to be used as propaganda. I don't want her death to be used for more prejudice and for more discrimination, and I don't think she would want that, either."